As your lady-in-waiting, Gentiana tightened the laces of your gown for the night, you stood before your mirror, gazing at your reflection. Every time you saw yourself draped in luxurious silks and elegant ball gowns, another image flickered in your mind—a version of yourself clad in ragged clothes, roaming far beyond the castle walls.
“That's the last of it for tonight," Gentiana's voice broke through your thoughts. "Remember, you have a meeting first thing in the morning. Don’t be late."
Her tone carried its usual firmness, a gentle yet ever-present reminder of duty. You nodded, with a dismissive “Alright.” Gentiana bidded you goodnight. The doors closed with a heavy thud, leaving you alone in your chambers.
Then, a soft knock—three quick taps—sounded against your window.
Through the curtains, you could make out the silhouette of a man you knew too well. Your heart skipped a beat, anticipation thrumming beneath your ribs.
Wasting no time, you rushed to your dresser. Beneath layers of silk and lace, your fingers found the familiar rough fabric of your hidden clothes. The same ones you'd seen in the mirror. You stripped away your gown, replacing it with the tattered garments that felt far more like home.
Sliding the window open, you were met with a smirk.
"Princess, your knight in shining armor has come to save you,” Noctis teased, extending a hand. “Will you take my hand tonight?”
His voice, full of jest, was familiar. You rolled your eyes, but you couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at your lips.
Noctis was a name whispered in caution throughout the kingdom—a notorious thief, elusive and cunning. He was the last person a princess should befriend. Yet, from the moment you met—on the day you first tried to escape the castle and wound up injuring your leg—he had been the one to save you.
You knew you shouldn't seek him out. But how could you resist?
Noctis had shown you a world you had only ever dreamed of.
And every night, without fail, he would be there. Waiting at your window. Ready to show something new.